For my web 2.0 tool I looked into MindMeister. MindMeister is a mind mapping or brainstorming application that is incredibly easy to use. The picture above is a map I created in about 10 minutes.
You can create maps as an organizational tool for your class content so that students have more of a structure to the content being delivered. Students can create maps as well to help clarify questions they may have about the information. These maps can then be shared and edited by all the members of a class online.
As you create your map, MindMeister automatically searches the web for graphics to use in the display. This is an amazing time saver. You can also choose your own graphics as well. MindMeister will make recommendations of websites that relate to the words you are using in your map. This gives students an opportunity to go beyond the scope of the class.
Some of the really great features of MindMeister include the ability to attach your own documents or notes to each of the words in the map. This would be a huge benefit for students as you could attach class notes with more information on each topic.
The drawback to this collaborative tool is that there is a cost involved. They do have education discounts so the cost for a school site license at my school would amount to $1000/year. In addition, there does not seem to be a way to change the structure of the map you have created. The main concept is always located in the middle. You can’t move it to the top of the map.
I would also like to be able to easily create a link between ideas. These linking words would help describe why these ideas are being linked.
Refereneces
MeiserLabs. (2010). Mindmeister. Retrieved June 5, 2010, from http://www.mindmeister.com/
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